#FFFFFF

The Manila Times

The Manila Times Streaming Channel

Reel Times

Pagunova Transport and Multi-Purpose Service Cooperative Chairman Leonard Bautista says that income from both traditional and modern jeepneys, consolidated or unconsolidated, is almost the same. However, fleet maintenance, among other benefits, within a consolidated cooperative is a plus compared to individual franchises.

Jeepney cooperative cites benefits of PUV modernization program

Ninety-seven percent of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila have consolidated as part of a government requirement to continue plying their routes under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), Andy Ortega, chairman of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), says in an interview with The Manila Times, citing data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Ortega said there is also a high number of PUV consolidation nationwide. He assures that the PUVMP will benefit both commuters and the drivers.

'97% of PUVs in Metro Manila consolidated'

With the recent problems faced by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), GoSolar Philippines President and CEO Bhong Bibi say that solar energy could be a solution.

Alternative energy seen as solution to NGCP woes

Eco Shift founder and CEO Irene Mejer talks about how her plastic-free lifestyle developed into a sustainable business model that provides plastic-free personal care items to both local and international markets.

Local business sells plastic-free beauty products

Commission on Population and Development (CPD), formerly known as the Population Commission (PopCom), said that the Philippines' population may reach 115 million by the end of 2023. CPD Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon said, however, that the country's birth rate continues to decline as more women are deciding to have fewer children.

PH population may reach 115M by year-end

PISTON national president Mody Floranda calls for the scrapping of franchise consolidation ahead of its December 31 deadline. He reiterates that they are amenable to the PUV modernization program through the rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys and retaining individual franchises.

3-day nationwide transport strike begins

Former Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, a staunch defender of the West Philippine Sea, voiced his strong support for the establishment of a permanent structure in Ayungin Shoal and Kalayaan island to enforce the PH’s rights in the disputed waters. He highlights the importance of filing diplomatic protests for each of China's aggressive acts.

Carpio backs permanent structure at West PH Sea amid China's latest hostilities

Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt Ivy Banzon-Abalos has made it her mission to promote ube or purple yam in Germany. She hopes that this will entice local producers to grow the yam and take advantage of the European market.

PH consulate promotes 'ube' in Germany

Data Ethics PH founder Dominic Ligot says that the government must enforce stricter preventive measures to avoid cybersecurity breaches following the series of attacks on its websites. He said that education, engineering, enforcement and ethics are vital to cybersecurity. The Senate has reported a spike in attempts to hack its website.

Stricter cybersecurity measures urged in govt websites

Israel regains control of the Gaza strip from the Hamas militants after an assault in early October. Meanwhile, attacks from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah against Israel have also started. Israel Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fuss, echoed his country's goal of a strong and decisive end to the war. He extends his condolences to two Filipinos who were killed during the attacks.

Israel fights Hamas, and now, Hezbollah

Department of Justice (DoJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, who is in charge of child protection, expressed his disappointment over an incident at the Peñafrancia Elementary School where a teacher slapped a Grade 5 student that resulted eventually in his death. He said educators must also respect the rights of their students.

Justice official urges teachers to respect students' rights after slap leads to death

Schools and local government units (LGUs) were receptive to the revised K-10 'Matatag' curriculum during its pilot run, which began on Sept. 25, 2023, Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesman Francis Bringas said.

Schools, LGUs receptive to revised K-10 'Matatag' curriculum, says education official

Labor group Federation of Free Works (FFW) President Sonny Matula lauds the government's new masterplan for national employment after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs into law the 'Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act' on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The law aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), provide worker upskilling, employer incentives, youth employment, as well as the reintegration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) into Philippine society.

Marcos signs law on national employment masterplan

Maria Antonia Bornas, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) monitoring and eruption prediction division, said that the current fog over Metro Manila is not in any way caused by Taal volcano's elevated sulfur dioxide emission. The haze is caused by "thermal inversion and air pollutants." Volcanic smog is only being experienced in parts of Batangas. Just the same, the agency advises the public to stay indoors and wear N95 masks.

Metro Manila's haze due to 'thermal inversion, air pollutants' -- Phivolcs

LTFRB Technical Division Head Joel Bolano says that over 60,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) operators nationwide have received their fuel subsidies as of posting time. He said the LTFRB would continue to distribute subsidies to all qualified beneficiaries. Bolano said a hearing for the PUJ fare hike is set on Sept. 26, 2023.

Over 60k drivers get fuel aid, Jeepney fare hike likely by year end - says LTFRB

MANIBELA national president, Mar Valbuena, laments that he has not yet received fuel subsidy, but claims that some of his colleagues have collected theirs. He adds that the LTFRB must release the target number of PUVs to be given subsidies for transparency, as well as the guidelines for drivers who wish to apply for fuel aid.

Some jeepney drivers have yet to receive fuel subsidy, says PUV group leader

AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee says on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, that imposing price ceilings and imported tariffs are temporary measures against the rice crisis and that the government must strive for long-term solutions.

Lawmaker seeks long-term solutions to PH rice crisis

National Nutrition Council Executive Director Azucena Dayanghirang says that the new Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 - 2028 (PPAN) will not only focus on nutrition alone but also on food security that will provide Filipino families access to affordable, safe, and adequate nutritious food.

New action plan vs. malnutrition targets food security, says council

The House of Representatives has approved House Bill 8910, known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act. The approval comes at an opportune time as Commission of Population and Development (CPD) Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon expects a rise in teen pregnancies now that face-to-face classes have resumed.

House OKs Teenage Pregnancy Prevention bill

Law expert Justice Rogelio V. Quevedo says that it is clear that the Makati City government has authority to operate and own its schools, university, hospital and other institutions beyond its territorial jurisdiction, even if these are under the map of Taguig City. He cites that Makati Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay has corporate powers which allows ownership over these institutions. On the other hand, Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig has governmental powers, even visitorial powers to enter these institutions at any given time.  Unless a sale or a written agreement has been reached, Makati still owns its buildings and institutions within Taguig.

Makati can operate 14 schools, other institutions in Taguig territory, says law expert

Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, concurrent deputy spokesman, said that they will prioritize the construction of classrooms in areas heavily affected by natural disasters. Over P10 billion from the proposed 2024 national budget will be used to build 7,000 classrooms. Around 24.6 million students are enrolled, but more are expected to come in as some schools are taking a while to submit their figures.

DepEd to prioritize building of classrooms in disaster-prone areas

Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon, the Department of Health’s special adviser for non-communicable diseases, called on all sectors to help apprehend individuals behind fraudulent online advertisements selling fake health products. He warned the public against the adverse effects that may be caused by the use of unlicensed products.

DOH adviser warns public vs fake health products

Bantay Bigas Spokesman Cathy Estavillo calls for drastic measures as rice prices in local markets rise weekly. She suggested that the government may implement a price freeze, by-pass traders and buy 'palay' or unmilled rice directly from local farmers.

Farmers group calls for govt action as rice prices soar

Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) chairman and former agriculture secretary, Leonardo Montemayor said at least 700,000 metric tons (MT) need to be imported to meet the country's demand for rice. Based on data from the Department of Agriculture, 300,000 MT are expected to come between August and September, which is still 'not enough' to cover the 21-day gap before the next harvest between October and November.

Averting PH rice crisis

Majority of Filipinos want the Marcos administration to assert the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, the results of the 'Tugon ng Masa' nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research from July 22 to July 26 showed. The quarterly survey is conducted to measure the public's opinion on issues.

OCTA: 70% of Filipinos want to assert territorial rights on West PH Sea peacefully

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio says he will file an appeal in behalf of his client, Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., to have him delisted as a terrorist. Topacio is unfazed by the Anti-Terrorism Council's decision to have the lawmaker and other groups tagged as terrorists.

Teves' camp to appeal 'terrorist' tag

Bantay Bigas spokesman and Amihan Secretary General Cathy Estavillo says their group is widely dissatisfied with the current administration's efforts in the agricultural sector. She says that the opening of more Kadiwa stores will not lower food prices and that the only real solution is to boost local food production.

Farmers' group unhappy with Marcos' efforts in agriculture sector

Filipino Nurses United (FNU) secretary general, Jocelyn Santos-Andamo, says that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not address the serious problems of healthcare workers in his latest state of the nation address (SONA). Marcos mentioned helping unlicensed nurses acquire licenses while ignoring the almost 30,000 who are licensed and who had just passed this year's board exam. There was no mention of mass hiring or addressing the 'livable wage' for nurses.

Marcos fails to answer healthcare  woes in 2nd SONA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  fails to mention the public transport sector despite an ongoing three-day strike by jeepney drivers and operators. Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) president Orlando Marquez said they trust that the government was doing its part. However, Mar Valbuena of MANIBELA said they were disappointed at the President's disregard of their concerns.

Jeepney groups excluded in Marcos' 2nd SONA

Filipino students bagged 143 awards in the 11th World Mathematics Invitational, an international tournament held in South Korea from July 14 to 18, 2023. Asia MathSci League President Rechilda Villame said that despite this feat, learning poverty in the Philippines is still a serious problem.

Filipino students bag 143 awards in World Math Tournament

Former agriculture secretary and chairman of Federation of Free Farmers Leonardo Montemayor congratulated President Marcos for fulfilling his pledge in the last SONA on the passage of the 'New Agrarian Emancipation Act'. However, Montemayor said many beneficiaries or potential agrarian reform beneficiaries are yet to be fully covered by the land transfer component.

Farmers' group lauds Marcos for fulfilling his pledge in last year's SONA

MANIBELA Chairman and National President Mar Valbuena apologizes ahead of a protest his transport group set on July 24, 2023 when  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second state of the nation address (SONA). He said they did not realize the importance of the day for the President. The group is protesting against the 'sneaky' jeepney phaseout being implemented by the government.

Transport group leader apologizes for 3-day strike on President's SONA

Former national security adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos says the government needs to 'shift gear' when dealing with China in the West Philippine Sea. She encourages China and Philippine Coast Guards to activate agreements in the disputed waters.

Abating conflict in West PH Sea calls for govt to 'shift gear' when dealing with China--Carlos

SINAG Chairman and President Rosendo So says that the beginning of El Niño will not affect the current cropping season. In the case of droughts, rice farmers will plant corn instead of rice, as corn requires less water.

El Niño won't affect current crop season, says farmers' group

National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. President Chester Warren Yeo Tan said that African Swine Fever affected the population of pigs in the last three years. Importation and repopulation efforts paid off as the country now has an oversupply but low demand for pork.

PH has high supply, low demand for pork - group

Jocelyn Santos-Andamo, Filipino Nurses United (FNU) secretary general, said that there are plenty of licensed nurses in the country to address the shortage in the health care sector. However, due to low salaries and poor working conditions, these nurses are forced to search for greener pastures abroad or work in non-nursing careers.

PH has 'No shortage' of licensed nurses, but burdened with low wages - says FNU

Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) officer-in-charge Eugene Escobar says there has been no casualties so far following the eruption of Mayon Volcano. The families who voluntarily went home and left evacuation camps were living outside the 6-kilometer danger zone. He added that depending on recommendations by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), more families may be evacuated if Mayon's volcanic activities escalate.

Zero casualties amid Mayon eruption but evacuation centers crowded  -- PDRRMC

Based on the latest genome sequencing results from May 29 to June 12, 2023, OCTA Research fellow Dr, Guido David says there has been an increase in the presence of Omicron subvariants in the country, along with the detection of the first case of Omicron subvariant FE.1, which the Department of Health is monitoring.

Another Covid-19 subvariant detected  in PH

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Calatagan, Batangas and was felt in parts of Metro Manila on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Prediction Division said the tremor, which was initially recorded at magnitude 6.2, came from the Manila trench and was in no way related to the restiveness of Taal and Mayon volcanos.

6.3 quake hits Batangas, tremor felt in Metro Manila

Inspector Bryan Lee of the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR),  says that most fire-related incidents are electrical in nature. BFP-NCR advises everyone to have appliances and installations checked regularly by licensed electricians. He also adds that the massive fire that engulfed the Manila Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio was an isolated incident.

BFP gives tips on fire safety

Trade Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty says the Philippine Export Development Plan is a strategic roadmap to boost local business in the country and  enhance competitiveness in the international market. The agency bared plans to protect local industries from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) by putting systems in place.

DTI to boost PH trade with export devt plan amid RCEP 'threat'

More and more public school teachers are complaining about receiving 25-kilo bags of spoiled, inedible rice, which were part of a one-time 'Rice allowance'. Some teachers expressed their frustration and disappointment on how 'lowly' the government regarded them as public school teachers by giving them such degrading 'Rice allowance'. ACT Teachers' Party-list representative France L. Castro has filed a House resolution to investigate these incidents.

Teachers complain over 'inedible' rice

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that the eruption of Mayon Volcano is inevitable. On the other hand, it said Taal Volcano's eruption is highly improbable.

Mayon Volcano eruption very likely, Taal unlikely - says PhiVolcs

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Creative Entertainment Council Chairman Marion Panganiban aims to boost the province's creative entertainment industry, which covers animation, game development, original content, film, music, theater and social media.

Cebu's creative entertainment industry gets boost

The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) is up for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signature after the Senate passed the bill on its third and final reading early Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The Maharlika Fund will be the country's first ever sovereign investment fund designed to promote economic development by investing in key sectors. The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) gives its insights on the approval of the measure.

A view on the Maharlika Fund and what it means for the PH economy

Dr. Leah Buendia, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) undersecretary for R&D, bares solutions to effectively and sustainably manage solid wastes in the country and to alleviate pollution.

DOST bares sustainable waste management solutions

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) assures the public that the government is prepared for the destructive impact of super typhoon 'Mawar.' The agency advised residents to reinforce their houses to withstand strong winds and to stockpile food for 3 days.

PH braces for super typhoon ‘Mawar’

First documented evidence reveal that microplastics are present in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country and Metro Manila's major source of fresh water. Dr. Hernando Bacosa and Professor Cris Gel Loui Arcadio found that there were higher concentrations in the west bay, near Metro Manila, where there is higher population density and economic activity. Microplastics have adverse effects on humans and aquatic life.

Microplastics plague Laguna lake

The Philippine Book Festival is happening at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City from June 2 to 4, 2023. It features Filipino-written literature, not just from Luzon, but other regions as well, with some even written in dialects. Entrance is free.

Ph Book Festival features Filipino literature in dialects

A 2021 study suggests that residents of Metro Manila are at greater risk from inhaling microplastics through the air. In an interview, scientists from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology said that different types of plastics suspended through ambient air are present in all 16 urbanized cities of the capital. including the municipality of Pateros.

Metro Manila residents at risk of inhaling 'microplastics'

Economic think tank, IBON Foundation, says that the call for a minimum wage hike nationwide is urgent and justifiable and supports the passage of the P150 increase.

Wage hike urgent, justified, says think tank

The Makabayan bloc is studying the possibility of filing a resolution to conduct an inquiry on the newly formed US and PH Bilateral Defense Guidelines. In his visit to Washington, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deepened defense cooperation with the US in an effort to keep China at bay in the West Philippine Sea. Several lawmakers and groups have expressed deep concern about this move.

Lawmaker eyes house inquiry into US-PH defense guidelines

Philippine Airlines says that up to 40 flights will be affected when the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center conducts corrective maintenance on May 17, 2023, the second this month. The first was held this Wednesday, May 3, although the short notice by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) caught several passengers unaware as flights were suspended as a result. The CAAP announced the corrective maintenance operations only on May 2 following the power outage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) the day before.

PH air space shutdown affects flights

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), has identified areas that may be affected by El Niño in the coming months. The agency also opened a new satellite office in Monumento on Thursday, April 27, 2023 for residents of Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela).

Govt prepares to assist farmers during El niño

Lawyer Joy Adraneda, assistant regional public attorney, talks about the pros and cons of Senate Billn147 or Divorce bill i this interview with The Manila Times.

PAO lawyer's take on divorce bill in Senate

Anna Varona, Haribon Foundation chief operating officer, talks to The Manila Times about the long term effects of the oil spill in Mindoro on the environment, livelihood and daily lives of the affected residents and reforms that the maritime industry can adopt to ensure that marine ecosystems and fishing grounds are protected.

Haribon exec cites long term effects of Mindoro oil spill

'PH far from attaining rice sufficiency' Leonardo Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers talks about the current rice situation in the Philippines in this interview with The Manila Times.

'PH far from attaining rice sufficiency'

The heat is on. And Dr. Tony Leachon, public health expert and health reform advocate, gives tips on how to beat it in this interview with The Manila Times.

Beat the heat

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines, gives a message for Holy Week after the Covid-19 pandemic.

CBCP message for the Holy week

The Department of Information and Communication and Technology (DICT) is considering extending the SIM card registration deadline on April 26, 2023 as provided by law, according to DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo. This and more of this interview on The Manila Times.

Have you registered your SIM Card?

What awaits returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here in Manila? Lito Soriano, president and owner of LBS Recruitment Solutions Corp. tells The Manila Times of opportunities for growth by harnessing talents, experiences and special skill sets.

OFW opportunities in PH

A bill at the Senate that seeks to penalize private schools that enforce a 'no permit, no exam' policy on their students has concerned a group of educators who say that such a measure could make it financially difficult for them to continue providing quality education. Dr. Antonio 'Toni' del Carmen, president and CEO of STI College in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and board member of the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAPSCU), Univet and Cocopea, talks to The Manila Times about Senate Bill 1359 and its impact on private educational institutions.

Costly Bill For Private Education

To cope with the effects of the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launches 'cash-for'work' program where affected residents would be given work in exchange for money to buy food and other basic necessities. DSWD Assistant Secretary Rommel Lopez tells more in this interview with The Manila Times.

Surviving the Spill

MMDA has started implementing exclusive lanes for motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon city on March 27, 2023 in hopes that this new regulation will lessen motorcycle-related accidents and/or road crashes. MMDA will use Commonwealth Avenue's implementation as a template in implementing it on all major roads in Metro Manila.

MMDA implements exclusive lane for motorcycles

Cagayan Gov Manuel Mamba has made it clear to The Manila Times in an interview that he does not want the province to be an EDCA site because this will spell trouble by endangering the lives of his constituents, hampering the economic potential of the place and hindering possible economic ties with China.

Voice in the wilderness

The Department of Health in Region IV-A and the Department of Health in partnership with various local government units launch the ‘T.E.E.N.DIG Kabataan’ project which aims to raise HIV awareness among the youth and address teenage pregnancies.

DOH, DepEd launch HIV teenage pregnancy awareness campaign

One of the campaign promises of then presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if elected was that he would bring down the price of rice to P20 a kilo and even appointed himself Agriculture secretary to ensure that and the country's food security Close to a year into the Marcos presidency, that promise and food security are in jeopardy. Amihan Secretary General and Bantay Bigas Spokesman Cathy Estavillo breaks down the problems and proposed solutions in an interview with The Manila Times on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Rice crisis

Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz updates The Manila Times on the situation in her town after the MT Princess Empress sank off the coast on Feb. 28, 2023, spilling 800,000 liters of industrial fuel that spread to nearby areas, affecting the environment and the livelihood of residents.

Who will foot the bill on the oil spill?

Manila Times columnist Fr. Ranhilio Aquino shares his thoughts in an interview on Wednesday, March 15, 2022, on the 'hybrid' constitutional convention bill passed recently by the House of Representatives and its impact on the country's politics and economy.

Analyzing a 'hybrid' Con-Con

Gabriela Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas, Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. France Castro and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel filed House Bill 7568 which seeks a P750 across-the-board wage increase to allow workers to earn a 'living wage'.

P750 salary increase pushed

Owners and drivers of public utility vehicles who went on strike early this week face possible sanctions, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Here's what one of the striking transport groups has to say on the LTFRB move and on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to scrap the phaseout of traditional jeepneys in this interview with The Manila Times.

The road ahead for PUVs after the strike

It's Women's Month and to commemorate the event, The Manila Times talks to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Director Miramel Garcia-Laxa on setting up anti-Violence Against Women and Children help desks.

Women talk

With the looming modernization of transportation in the Philippines, will the iconic jeepney, once dubbed 'the king of the road' in the Philippines, finally relinquish its throne to a newer and more road worthy model? Not quite, says Elmer Francisco of Francisco Motors in an interview with The Manila Times.

Facelift or phaseout

Has the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) outlived its usefulness and should therefore be abolished? Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua cites several reasons to The Manila Times in this interview on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Should the MMDA be abolished?

The transport strike set on Monday will push through, according to PISTON Deputy Secretary General Ruben Baylon in this interview with The Manila Times on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

'Road rage'

Rehabilitation or modernization? Mody Floranda, national president of Piston, talks to The Manila Times on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, about the looming phaseout of traditional jeepneys as the government sets a Dec. 31, 2023 deadline for their 'last trip'.

Rehabilitation or modernization?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) can still investigate former president Rodrigo Duterte and his drug war even without the cooperation of the Philippine government, lawyer Neri Colmenares of the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) says in an interview with The Manila Times on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Colmenares, counsel for the victims of Duterte's drug campaign, cited the Rome Statute which said that while any country can withdraw from the ICC, "investigation started before the effectivity of the withdrawal shall continue’ as agreed upon by all countries, including the Philippines."

No escape

Syrian Consul General, in an interview with The Manila Times, appeals for help for his country as it reels from the devastation of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and an Israeli missile strike.

Syria appeals for help after quake, missile strike

Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay T. Tarriela, adviser of the Commandant and spokesman on West Philippine Sea Concerns, talks to The Manila Times on the Chinese vessel laser-pointing incident near the Ayungin Shoal at the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

What happened at Ayungin Shoal?

To share or not to share? This is the question cyclist and active transport advocate Robert Anthony Siy tries to answer in an interview with The Manila Times on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 on a plan to share designated bicycle lanes in Makati City with other modes of transport.

‘I Want To Ride My Bicycle But Where?’

Social Welfare Assistant Bureau Director Miramel Garcia-Laxa talks about text scams that have been targeting senior citizens and retired business owners. How does the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) deal with it? Where can the public ask for help? These are just some of the questions The Manila Times asked in its interview with the DSWD official on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.

Protecting seniors vs text scams

Love is in the air. And for most Filipinos, flowers are always the best expression of love, especially on Valentine's Day. Manila Times takes a breather from the socio-political and economic issues of the day to talk to Marie Garcia and Maria Luisa Sicam, founders and owners of Designer Blooms & Co. on their blossoming flower business.

Flower business blooms for 2 sisters

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon calls for donations for earthquake-hit Turkey but also says that the organization is preparing should a similar disaster hit the country. Gordon shares more in this interview with The Manila Times on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

PRC reaches out to Turkey quake victims

Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol talks to The Manila Times about the current situation in Turkey on Friday, Feb.10, 2023, days after it was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Coping with catastrophe

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, killing thousands of people and flattening villages in several provinces has once again raised the question of whether the Philippines is ready if it is hit by a 'big one'. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Officer in Charge Ishmael Narag talks to The Manila Times on Wednesday, February 8, about how Filipinos can prepare ahead of such a catastrophe.

Are Filipinos ready for the 'Big One'?

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement the single ticketing system for public and private transport in either March or April. Atty. Melissa Carunungan, MMDA spokesman, talks to the Manila Times on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 about the latest project to unify the process of penalizing traffic violators.

Unified Ticket

As the debate over the Maharlika Investment Fund continues, The Manila Times talks to Sen. Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel 3rd who vows to reject the measure in the Senate. Find out more in this interview on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

Pimentel's uphill battle

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez talks to The Manila Times on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to the country, the third ranking US official to do so after Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

US defense chief in Manila

Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Arnell Ignacio on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, updates The Manila Times on the repatriation of the remains of Jullebee Ranara, the Filipino worker in Kuwait who was murdered by her employer's son, and efforts by the Philippine and Kuwaiti governments to assist her family. As of posting time, Ranara's body would have arrived in the country.

Justice for Jullebee

Former Social Welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo still wants a job in public service if he were to return to the government. Tulfo was responding to a query from The Manila Times in this interview on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, barely a month after he stepped down as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) because he did not get the nod of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

'Mr. Public Service'

Single Ticketing System in Metro Manila finalized The final draft of the Metro Manila Traffic Code has been approved by the multi-agency Technical Working Group and will be presented to the Metro Manila Council on the first week of February. The implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement on interconnectivity with the Land Transportation Office will be in March 2023 as the MMDA is still in the process of procuring the necessary hardware. The Manila Times interviews MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes regarding the Single Ticketing System.

Single Ticketing System in Metro Manila finalized

Never has the lowly bicycle been thrust into the limelight following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. With the need to stay healthy and the spiraling gas prices resulting from the Russian invasion, the bicycle has emerged as a healthy and cheap alternative mode of transport. In this interview with The Manila Times on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, Mike Serrano who heads a local biker's group and a consultant for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has called on the private sector to promote the two-wheeled vehicle as an active mode of transport and to create a 'bike friendly workplace'.

‘I Want To Ride My Bicycle’

Is the Philippines ready for the lifting of the Covid-19 State of Public Health Emergency? Dr. Guido David, OCTA Research Fellow, shares his views with The Manila Times in this interview on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.

Post-pandemic PH

The Manila Times interviews Gregorio San Diego , chairman of the Philippine Egg Board and UBRA; and Dr. Jesus Medina, President of the Batangas Egg Producers Association (BEPA) on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2022, on the reported egg shortage in the country.

Unscrambling the egg shortage

Prime Times with Atty. Lia

Belmonte finds joy in improving lives of Quezon City residents

Quezon City Mayor Josefina 'Joy' Belmonte shares with  PrimeTimes' host Lia Badillo-Crisostomo that she was always interested in archaeology. However, she ended up running for public office and decided instead to channel her passion for discovery to finding ways to improve the lives of her constituents. Belmonte also tackled the importance of history, women empowerment, and sustainable economic development.

Belmonte finds joy in improving lives of Quezon City residents

Ferdinand 'Perry' Ferrer, vice president of the Employers' Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), talks to PrimeTimes with Atty. Lia about how employers have been dealing with the post-pandemic situation, the P100 wage increase and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in training Filipino workers to develop skills to attract more foreign companies to invest in the country.

Laboring in post-pandemic, over P100 wage hike and skills' training

Sen. Robin Padilla guests on the maiden episode of PrimeTimes with Atty. Lia. Padilla shares his thoughts on Charter change, the medicalization of cannabis and a host of other issues affecting the country with lawyer Maria Liavel 'Lia' Badillo-Crisostomo.

Sen Padilla on PrimeTimes with Atty. Lia

Business and Mentor Talks

Faye Arellano Martinez: Continuing the Legacy of Apollo Arellano

Faye Arellano Martinez has taken on the mantle of her father, Apollo Arellano, and continued his legacy in the business world. As the co-founder of AQA Group, Faye has shown a full-time commitment to her work while staying focused on the vision and goals set by her father. Through her dedication and hard work, Faye has not only maintained the success of the company but also expanded its reach and impact in the industry. Her leadership and determination have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the business world.